Portable soft case for eyeglasses

ABSTRACT

There is provided a portable soft case for storing, transporting, and protecting eyeglasses. The case includes a body portion having a semi rigid skin defining an interior cavity for storing the eyeglasses. The body further includes a front side and a second side which define the interior cavity. A mouth is positioned at the top of the body portion; and the mouth defines an open position and a closed position such that the human user can pass the pair of eyeglasses through the mouth when the mouth is in the open position, into the interior cavity, and such that mouth holds the glasses in the interior cavity when the mouth is in the closed position. The mouth may also define a first lip and a second lip which can sealingly engage so as to close the mouth and so as to provide a substantial level of water resistant protection. The case and mouth are advantageously formed of a flexible semi-rigid material such as silicone rubber such that the human user opens the mouth by manual pressure on the two edges. Releasing manual pressure allows the case to revert to its natural closed position. A bottom is connected to the body portion, and it can be substantially planar and aligned with the body portion such that the glasses case can stand erect on its bottom. The case may further be provided with eyelets positioned on a first edge and a second edge of the body. A strap can be positioned on the eyelets. The human user can then hang the strap around his neck thereby carrying the glasses case in a comfortable hands free manner and without the need for pockets.

CROSS REFERENCES

This application claims priority from the Provisional US patentapplication filed Feb. 5, 2009, entitled PORTABLE SOFT CASE FOR GLASSES,having Dwight David Roberts as inventor, and having provisionalapplication No. 61/150,258.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for storing and protectingpersonal objects. More particularly the present invention relates to aportable case for protecting, storing, and transporting eyeglasses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Glasses (or spectacles) are commonly used in a variety of forms bypeople widely ranging in age, gender, and nationality. In AmericanEnglish usage, a set of glasses is often referred to as a “pair” ofglasses or eyeglasses, and in this application both terms will be used.Other equivalent and often used terms are eyewear and sunglasses. Theyare a very common item, and as such there is an ongoing need to improvethe human usage and interaction with this device, the common pair ofglasses.

A common structure for eyeglasses includes a pair of lenses positionedin a frame which is connected to a right and a left hinged arm. Thehinged arms can be extended so as to rest in conjunction with the user'sears. A bridge or nose rest is typically positioned between the twolenses on the frame and is shaped so as to rest on the bridge of theuser's nose. Glasses may have clear lenses or shaded lenses. The framefor the pair of glasses may itself be utilitarian in shape or may havevarying degrees of decoration and ornamentation. Glasses are generallyfragile structures. Additionally, some pairs of glasses can be expensiveitems. Thus, it is generally desired to provide a means of protectingthe glasses when they are not in use. However in the closed or foldedposition, a pair of eyeglasses can take an awkward or unusual shape, andaccordingly specialized cases have been developed to receive and protectglasses. Nevertheless, there is an ongoing need to provide improvedcases or means for protecting glasses.

The wide usage of glasses can be the occasion for various problems withrespect to carrying and storing the glasses. For example a user ofglasses may have multiple pairs of glasses that are used in differentsituations. Often a user will have a first pair of glasses that haveoptical, translucent lenses for vision correction. In addition the usermay have a second pair of sunglasses which provide sun protection in anoutdoors or bright environment. Additionally, a user may have a thirdpair of glasses that provide magnified vision for up close reading. Acommon difficulty arises of how to store the glasses when switching fromone pair to another. It is awkward to carry multiple cases, and it wouldbe desired to have a single case that can function with severaldifferent shapes.

In another situation, a user may find himself or herself in a situationwhere a rigid, clamshell-type case does not function well. An example ofthis would be a day at the beach, park, hiking, or some other outdooractivity. The user may wish to take off his glasses while pursuing aswimming activity or other outdoor activity. The hard shell or rigidcase is difficult and awkward to carry. It may have to be carried byhand if the user does not have on clothing with a shirt pocket or coatpocket. In such a situation the user may even feel inhibited frompursuing physical activities because he would not want to risk damaginghis glasses. It would be desired to provide an alternative means forstorage of eyeglasses that ameliorates this problem.

To elaborate on the above example, a problem associated with the storageof glasses under known prior art can arise during a typical day at thebeach or swimming pool. A person may arrive at the beach area in anautomobile. This individual may then walk toward the beach area wearingswimming trunks, a T-shirt, and also wearing his glasses. Typicalswimming trunks and T-shirts do not have pockets. Thus, at some pointthe person may desire to remove his glasses, but will not have a pocketor other means in which store them. Also, further discussing the beachexample, when the individual leaves his car he may also wish to carrycertain simple items with him in addition to his glasses. Such itemsmight include a credit card, cash, or pocket change. Additionally theuser would typically want to carry on his person either his car keys orhotel room key if he is staying at a nearby hotel. A set of sunglasses,lip balm, and sunscreen would also be carried. In each of thesesituations, it would be desired to provide an improved means by which anindividual can transport an extra pair of glasses, and even other smallitems, during a typical day at the beach.

A further example is any situation in which the person simply does nothave a front pocket (or other receptacle) in which to store his glasses.However, the user may still have a need to remove and store his glassesin such a situation. Thus it would also be desired to provide animproved case for storing and carrying glasses without the need for ashirt pocket in which to place the case.

A common form of case for eyeglasses is the clamshell-type structureshown for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,796,422 and 6,398,017. Otherdesigns are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,320,397; 6,796,422; and 6,398,017.An examination of this art shows a rigid structure defined by a rigidfirst half shell hingedly connected to a rigid second half shell. Thetwo half shells define an interior wherein the glasses may bepositioned. While the clamshell-type case has proven to be a usefuldesign, it nevertheless suffers from shortcomings. For example, theclamshell case is typically not waterproof and/or water resistant. Watercan be admitted between the seam defined by the two half shells.Further, the rigid clamshell structure can be awkward to carry on theuser's person. Typically the case would be inserted into a shirt pocket,a jacket pocket, some other pocket, or into a purse or other bag.However when placed in a pocket, the clamshell case tends to bulge out.Further, the rigid feel of the case can be uncomfortable against thewearer's body. Thus, it would be desired to find an alternative storagecase that alleviates these shortcomings.

Hence there has been identified a need to provide an improved glassescase design. It would be desired to provide a glasses case that iscomfortable to carry on the person, particularly in active environments.It would also be desired that an improved design of a glasses case allowfor it to be carried in those situations where the user does not have ashirt pocket in which to place the case. It would further be desired toprovide a case that can accommodate glasses of varying shapes. Stillfurther it would be desired to provide a glasses case that can providewater resistant protection. The present invention addresses one or moreof these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, and by way ofexample only, there is provided a portable soft case for storing,transporting, and protecting eyeglasses. The case includes a bodyportion having a semi rigid skin defining an interior cavity for storingthe eyeglasses. The body further includes a front side and a second orrear side which define the interior cavity. A mouth is positioned at thetop of the body portion; and the mouth defines an open position and aclosed position such that the human user can pass the pair of eyeglassesthrough the mouth when the mouth is in the open position, into theinterior cavity, and such that mouth holds the glasses in the interiorcavity when the mouth is in the closed position. The mouth may alsodefine a first lip and a second lip which can sealingly engage so as toclose the mouth and so as to provide a substantial level of waterresistant protection. The case and mouth are advantageously formed of aflexible semi-rigid material such as silicone rubber such that the humanuser opens the mouth by applying manual pressure on the two edges of thecase. Releasing manual pressure allows the case to revert to its naturalclosed position. A bottom may be connected to the body portion, and itcan be substantially planar and aligned with the overall body portionsuch that the glasses case can stand erect on its bottom. The case mayfurther be provided with eyelets positioned on a first edge and a secondedge. A strap can be positioned on the eyelets. The human user can thenhang the strap around his neck thereby carrying the glasses case in ahands free manner and without the need for pockets. The soft semi rigidmaterial makes the case comfortable to carry on the user's person.

In a further embodiment, and still by way of example only, the portablesoft case for glasses can be provided with a magnetized closing. In suchan embodiment, opposing flaps of the glasses case contain opposingmagnets. The magnets are of a size and force such that they provide atendency to keep the mouth of the case in the closed position, where themagnets are attracted to each other by north-south forces. The user canopen the case by applying hand force or pressure to a portion of thecase that tends to flex the opening such that the magnets are pushedaway from each other. Again, the magnets are of a size and force suchthat they do not inordinately oppose the opening force when the case isflexed. Rather the magnets are of an intermediate force such that theytend to keep the case close when it is at rest and yet also allows thecase to be opened by flexion. Further, the lip or mouth area where themagnets are positioned can be configured with opposing flat surfaces inthe matrix material with the magnets themselves encased or encapsulatedin the matrix material. In this manner two opposing flaps of a siliconerubber material, that have flat opposing surfaces, can be brought intoclose contact by the magnets encased within the silicone rubbermaterial. Further, the flat surfaces, when in contact, provide a goodclosure at the mouth that serves to generally keep the classes withinthe receiving body of the case.

Other independent features and advantages of the portable soft case forglasses will become apparent from the following detailed description,taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, byway of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of several examples of portable glassescases seen from differing angles, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of a portable glasses case exhibiting the mouth inan open position, according to an embodiment of the present invention;and

FIG. 3 is a top view of a portable glasses case exhibiting the mouth ina closed position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

The following reference numbers are noted on the attached figures.

-   -   10 case    -   11 skin    -   12 bottom    -   13 wall    -   14 mouth    -   15 strap    -   16 eyelet    -   17 first lip    -   18 second lip    -   19 tear drop    -   20 cutaway region    -   21 front side    -   22 rear side    -   23 interior central cavity    -   24 left edge    -   25 right edge

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following detailed description of the invention is merely exemplaryin nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the applicationand uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to bebound by any theory presented in the preceding background of theinvention or the following detailed description of the invention.Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Wherever possible, common reference numbers are usedthroughout the multiple figures.

Referring initially to FIG. 1 there is shown an exemplary embodiment ofcase 10. Case 10 includes skin 11, bottom 12, wall 13, and mouth 14.Case 10 may be formed of a unitary piece of material which forms skin11. In such a unitary embodiment, skin 11 also forms bottom 12, wall 13,and mouth 14. The body of case 10 further defines interior centralcavity 23 for receiving, storing, and transporting a pair of eyeglasses.It is noted that the access to interior central cavity 23 is providedthrough mouth 14.

In the preferred embodiment, wall 13 of case 10 further comprises afront side 21 and a rear side 22. Generally it is preferred that theshapes of front side 21 and rear side 22 are symmetrical andapproximately equal. Thus, in overall shape, case 10 is somewhat similarto the clamshell-type case of the prior art. However, this shape istaken in order to accommodate the general shape of standard eyewearwithin interior central cavity 23. It is noted that embodiments of thepresent invention do not employ a first half clamshell hingedlyconnected to a second half clamshell. Further, while the case 10 isdescribed as having a front side 21 and a rear side 22 it will beappreciated that this is a useful convention even though the sides maybe equivalent in shape because the rear side 22 may have certain furtheroptions attached thereto, such as a pocket or a clip; and in general aconsumer would tend to position that rear side of case 10 against hisbody so as to present the front side 21 to the public. As further noted,the front side 21 of case 10 is generally well configured so as toreceive further decoration, printing, advertising, or logo placement asmay be desired for commercial exploitation of the device. Materialselection, discussed further herein, would also preferably be such so asto allow impressions, molds, symbols, decorations and the like to beformed on a surface of the case.

In one embodiment bottom 12 of case 10 is generally flat or planar. Thisprovides the useful advantage of providing a flat surface on which tostand the case 10, and thus bottom 12 is also preferably centered andaligned with respect to the overall body of the case 10 such that thecase 10 can balance in an erect configuration when resting on bottom 12.However, it should also be appreciated that bottom 12 can take othershapes such as, for example, a rounded or curved shape. Bottom 12 mayalso take an angled shape so as to assist in holding glasses firmlywithin case 10.

Mouth 14 may further comprise a first lip 17 and second lip 18. Areciprocally engaging closure means may be positioned on first lip 17and second lip 18. In one embodiment the closure means can provide adesired level of sealing of mouth 14 so as to protect the glasses withininterior central cavity 23. One kind of closure means is a tongue andgroove seal. With such a structure it is possible to obtain asubstantially water resistant seal so as to adequately protect glasseswithin case 10 when in humid or moist environments. Any level of sealingmay be provided such as water proof sealing. The tongue and groovesealing mechanism can be configured such that it requires theapplication of manual force to seal and unseal the mechanism.

In a further embodiment, the portable soft case for glasses can beprovided with a magnetized closing. In such an embodiment, opposingflaps of the glasses case contain opposing magnets. The magnets are of asize and force such that they provide a tendency to keep the mouth ofthe case in the closed position, where the magnets are attracted to eachother by north-south forces. The user can open the case by applying handforce or pressure to a portion of the case that tends to flex theopening such that the magnets are pushed away from each other. Again,the magnets are of a size and force such that they do not inordinatelyoppose the opening force when the case is flexed. Rather the magnets areof an intermediate force such that they tend to keep the case close whenit is at rest and yet also allows the case to be opened by flexion.Further, the lip or mouth area where the magnets are positioned can beconfigured with opposing flat surfaces in the matrix material with themagnets themselves encased or encapsulated in the matrix material. Inthis manner two opposing flaps of a silicone rubber material, flaps thathave flat opposing surfaces, can be brought into close contact by themagnets encased within the silicone rubber material. Further, the flatsurfaces, when in contact, provide a good closure at the mouth thatserves to generally keep the classes within the receiving body of thecase.

In a preferred embodiment, each half of a glasses case is provided witha pair of two generally round magnets. Thus, with two halves combined, apreferred embodiment contains four magnets in total. In the preferredembodiment, each of the magnets is positioned within the one half suchthat, when the case is closed, each of the magnets will substantiallyalign with the matching magnet positioned in the opposite half. Thisalignment assists in providing a good magnet closure while keeping theweight of the magnets relatively light to the overall weight of thecase.

Still referring to FIG. 1 it is noted that the seam where front side 21meets rear side 23 forms a left edge 23 and a right edge 24. In afurther embodiment eyelets 16 may be positioned on the case 10preferably with one eyelet positioned on left edge 23 and a secondeyelet on right edge 24. Strap 15 may be configured so as to engage witheyelets 16. Alternatively strap 15 may be affixed to case 10 through adifferent means such as by directly affixing a cord or strap to case 10.

A preferred embodiment of attaching strap 15 to eyelets 16 is achievedby providing the two ends of strap 15 with a tear drop shape, a teardrop end 19. The tear drop end 19 is of a size such that a user canstretch and flex the eyelet 16 so as to force the tear drop end 19through the eyelet 16. Once the tear drop end 19 is put through theeyelet 16, the eyelet 16 reverts to its original nonflexed shape; andthe tear drop shape of the tear drop end 19 now prevents it from slidingback through. In this manner case 10 can be suspended from strap 15 in astylish and appealing manner. However, if a user prefers to remove strap15, he need merely gently but steadily pull the tear drop ends 19through eyelets 16, and eyelets 16 will stretch so as to allow the endsto pass through. However, in normal usage, with just the weight of thecase 10 hanging on strap 15, the eyelets 16 hold and do not allow thetear drop ends 19 to pass through.

Still referring to FIG. 1 it is noted that case 10 defines interiorcentral cavity 23 which is an open space defined by skin 11. Generally,cavity 23 is of a shape and dimension such that it can receive andcontain a pair of common glasses. It will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art that glasses do come in differing sizes anddimensions. Thus, case 10 can also be formed in various sizes so as toaccommodate differing dimensions and shapes of glasses. It should alsobe appreciated that skin 11 can flex. Thus, if there is not a perfectfit with a pair of glasses in the cavity 23 the skin 11 may be able toflex sufficiently so as to still be able to receive and hold theglasses.

Referring still to FIG. 1 it is noted that the preferred embodiment ofcase 10 includes a cutaway region 20 which is positioned on both frontside 21 and rear side 22. In general geometric description, cutawayregion 20 is a recessed area in that the surface of skin 11 ispositioned at an angle relative to the body of case 10 defined by frontside 21 and rear side 22. At a lower end, cutaway region 20 merges intoeach of front side 21 and rear side 22; at an upper end, cutaway region20 merges into first lip 17 and second lip 18. Cutaway region 20 helpsto hold glasses that are positioned in the interior central cavity 23.Additionally cutaway region 20 helps to hold mouth 14 in a closedposition while also allowing mouth 14 to be moved to an open position asfurther described herein.

In a preferred embodiment, case 10 is formed as a unitary piece of asemi rigid polymer material. A semi rigid polymer such as siliconerubber is preferred. It is found that this material can be formed bytypical polymeric processes such as casting or molding such that uponcuring it receives a relaxed or natural shape. However, the material isplastic in that it can be manipulated by a user's hands to take shapesother than that of the relaxed shape. However, once the force that isexerted onto the material by the user's hands is stopped or removed,then the material reverts to its relaxed position. In the polymerindustry such materials may also be referred to as memory polymers inthat the material will revert to or “remember” its original cast shape.While not wishing to be limited to any particular materials referred toherein, it has been found that materials such as Thermal Plastic Rubber(TPR), Thermal Plastic Elastomer (TPE), and Silicone Rubber provide thedesired semi rigid and memory function desired.

Referring next to FIGS. 2 and 3, there is shown mouth 14 of case 10 inthe open and the closed positions respectively from a top perspective.These figures thus illustrate how a human user can manipulate case 10 soas to open and close mouth 14. As previously described the closedposition represents the natural or unflexed position of mouth 14. Hence,once glasses have been placed in interior central cavity 23, mouth 14would tend to stay in the closed position thereby holding the glassestherein. However the human user can manipulate the case 10 so as totransition mouth 14 from the closed to the open position. This may beachieved by simultaneously applying force on left edge 24 and right edge25. In other words the user can take case 10 in his hands and gentlysqueeze on the opposite sides, left edge 24 and right edge 25. Like acoin purse this manual pressure will move first lip 17 away from secondlip 18 thereby creating the open-mouthed position. In this position theuser can readily slip his glasses through mouth 14 and into interiorcentral cavity 23. Once the user has dropped his pair of glasses throughmouth 14 and into interior central cavity 23, the user stops or removesmanual force on case 10. Case 10 then reverts to the closed/normalposition, and the glasses are held in place for storage, protection, andtransportation.

Thus, a method of operating or using the glasses case would go asfollows, according to a preferred embodiment. A user would grasp anempty case 10 which is in the closed position. The user would place case10 in his hands such that the user can apply manual force on left edge24 and right edge 25. The user applies sufficient force on case 10 so asto cause the case to transition from closed position to open position.The user can then slip his pair of glasses through mouth 14 intointerior central cavity 23. The glasses come to rest in this location.The user can then release his manual force on case 10, and mouth 14reverts to the closed position. The glasses are now held in case 10. Ifso configured, the user can additionally apply manual force to seal orengage (or unseal) a sealing mechanism, such as a tongue and grooveseal, positioned on first lip 17 and second lip 18 of mouth 14. Ifconfigured with a magnetic closure, the application of manual force onthe left edge 24 and right edge 25 serves to flex the opening and causethe magnets to disengage from one another. Likewise, when manual forceis released, the case relaxes and transitions to the closed position.When the magnets come sufficiently close together through the relaxationmovement, the mutual attractive force of the magnets brings them intoclose proximity and serves to hold the case in the closed position.

Additional embodiments of case 10 can include a clip to assist incarrying the case. A clip may be affixed to wall 13 of case 10 by whichthe case can be attached to a belt or piece of clothing (for example ashirt pocket) of the wearer. In a further embodiment wall 13 of case 10can be configured with a generally flat surface such as rear side 22. Aflat surface may more advantageously rest against a user's body such aswhen the case 10 is clipped to a user's belt or shirt. Even if the clipembodiment is not present, case 10 may include one surface that isflatter than the other for a more form fitting configuration for restingagainst a user's body.

A further alternative is to provide a storage pocket on case 10. Again,a wall 13 of case can be provided with a pocket. It would be desired toinclude a pocket in which the user could store materials related to theglasses such as wipes.

In still a further embodiment, a case 10 can be provided with dimensionsthat are optimally formed for the storage of personal items such ascoins, cash, credit cards, car keys, room keys, lip balm protection,sunscreen tubes, and the like. When designed for usage with glasses,case 10 tends to take an elongate overall shape which is suitable forholding and storing glasses. However, it is also anticipated that thesame case design could also be shortened or otherwise changed in overallshape so as to accommodate the storage of the described miscellaneous“beach” items. It will be appreciated, however, that the function anddesign of case 10 does not change from what has been described exceptthat the overall shape, dimensions of length, width, and depth, may beadjusted from what would be preferred for glasses.

There are several advantages to be achieved by providing a glasses casemade of the semi rigid material described herein. In a first example,silicone rubber can provide insulation. Glasses stored in a cold or hotenvironment would be protected from the exterior environment. A commonexample includes placing the glasses case in the car, such as on thedash, where it would be exposed to the heat of the sun. Anotheradvantage is that the material provides an excellent protection frombanging and jostling, and thus the case provides one desired function ofprotecting the glasses from being damaged. A further advantage is that acase 10 of this material will feel comfortable against the human user'sbody. Unlike hard shell cases a soft case such as described herein willitself present a gentler, softer material to contact the user. Thus ifthe glasses are suspended around a user's neck, the case 10 will gentlybump against the user's chase. Similarly if the case 10 is placed in aninner coat pocket, it will more gently press against the user's body.Additionally, embodiments of the glasses case provide for easytransportation in a hands-free and pockets-free manner. The case can becarried by slipping the strap over the user's neck.

A further advantage of the case embodiments is that it presents anattractive and stylish means of carrying glasses. The case can bedecorated as desired. Thus a user of glasses will not feel inhibitedfrom bringing along any pair of glasses. It is further anticipated thatthe case 10 provides for flexibility in how the case is used bydiffering genders. The case could be designed in a unisex manner; oralternatively the case could be designed and decorated so as to appealto either a male audience or a female audience. The inherent flexibilityof the design allows commercial exploitation to be directed as desiredfor marketing, sales, or other reasons.

While the invention has been described with reference to a preferredembodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in theart that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substitutedfor elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention.In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particularsituation or material to the teachings of the invention withoutdeparting from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intendedthat the invention not be limited to a particular embodiment disclosedas the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but thatthe invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope ofthe appended claims.

1. A case for a human user to store a pair of eyeglasses comprising: a body portion having a semi rigid skin defining an interior cavity for storing the eyeglasses; the body portion comprising a front side and a rear side; and a mouth affixed to the body portion, the mouth having a first lip and a second lip, and the mouth defining an open position and a closed position such that the human user can pass the pair of eyeglasses through the mouth when the mouth is in the open position, into the interior cavity, and such that mouth holds the glasses in the interior cavity when the mouth is in the closed position.
 2. The case according to claim 1 further comprising a bottom connected to the body portion.
 3. The case according to claim 2 wherein the bottom is substantially planar and aligned with the body portion such that the glasses case can stand on the bottom.
 4. The case according to claim 1 further comprising a clip attached to the body portion.
 5. The glasses case according to claim 1 further comprising a pocket attached to the body portion.
 6. The case according to claim 1 wherein the first lip and the second lip have reciprocally engaging closure means positioned thereon.
 7. The case according to claim 6 wherein the closure means comprises a tongue and groove.
 8. The case according to claim 6 such that the first lip and the second lip close so as to provide a substantially water resistant seal.
 9. The case according to claim 1 wherein the semi rigid skin comprises a material selected from the group consisting of thermal plastic rubber, thermal plastic elastomer, and silicone rubber.
 10. The case according to claim 1 further comprising a cutaway region on a front side and a cutaway region on a rear side.
 11. The case according to claim 1 further comprising at least one magnet positioned in the first lip and at least one magnet positioned in the second lip wherein the magnet of the first lip substantially aligns with the magnet of the second lip when the case is in the closed position.
 12. The case according to claim 11 wherein the first lip and the second lip each have substantially planar surfaces that are held in proximity by the magnets in the closed position.
 13. A portable case for a human user storing and transporting eyeglasses comprising: a body portion defining an interior cavity for storing the eyeglasses; the body portion comprising a front side and a rear side so as to define a left edge and a right edge; a mouth affixed to the body portion, the mouth defining an open position and a closed position such that the pair of eyeglass; and a strap affixed to the eyelets such that the strap can pass around the neck of the human user.
 14. The portable case according to claim 13 further comprising a first eyelet positioned on the left edge and a second eyelet positioned on the right edge and wherein the strap comprises a first end and a second end such that the first end attaches to the first eyelet and the second end attaches to the second eyelet.
 15. The portable case according to claim 14 wherein the first end and the second end of the strap define a tear drop end which rests against the eyelet.
 16. The portable case according to claim 13 wherein the mouth further defines a first lip having at least one magnet disposed within the first lip, and a second lip having at least one magnet disposed within the second lip, and wherein the magnet of the first lip substantially aligns with the magnet of the second lip when in the closed position.
 17. The portable case according to claim 16 wherein the first lip and the second lip each comprises a substantially planar surface that is held in close contact in the closed position.
 18. A method for opening and closing a soft case for a pair of eyeglasses comprising the steps of: providing a soft case having a front side and a rear side and a first edge and a second edge and a mouth of the soft case that provides access to an internal cavity such that the mouth of the soft case is in the closed position when free from external forces; and applying manual pressure on a first edge and second edge of the case so as to transition the mouth of the case from the closed position to the open position.
 19. The method according to claim 18 further comprising the steps of: passing the pair of eyeglasses through the mouth into the internal cavity; and releasing manual pressure on the case such that the mouth of the case reverts to the closed position thereby holding the glasses within the case.
 20. The method according to claim 18 further comprising the steps of providing a mouth of the soft case having at least one magnet positioned within a first lip and at least one magnet positioned within the second lip, and the step of applying manual pressure to the first edge and the second edge of the case so as to cause magnets positioned in the first lip to disengage with magnets positioned in the second lip. 